For related articles and more information, please visit OCA’s Politics and Democracy page.

Two Norwegian lawmakers announced Wednesday their nomination of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden for the Nobel Peace Prize for his actions that “contributed to a more stable and peaceful world order.”

The members of Parliament submitting the nomination days ahead of the February 1 deadline are Bard Vegar Solhjell and Snorre Valen, members of the Socialist Left Party.

In a joint statement posted to the party’s website, Valen and Solhjell write, in part:

Edward Snowden has revealed the nature and technological prowess of modern surveillance. The level of sophistication and depth of surveillance that citizens all over the world are subject to, has stunned us, and stirred debate all over the world. By doing this, he has contributed critical knowledge about how modern surveillance and intelligence directed towards states and citizens is carried out.            

There is no doubt that the actions of Edward Snowden may have damaged the security interests of several nations in the short term. We do not necessarily condone or support all of his disclosures. We are, however, convinced that the public debate and changes in policy that have followed in the wake of Snowden’s whistleblowing has contributed to a more stable and peaceful world order. His actions have in effect led to the reintroduction of trust and transparency as a leading principle in global security policies. Its value can’t be overestimated.

A country’s legitimate need for reliable intelligence to preserve its own security, must always be balanced against the people’s individual freedoms – and the global need for trust – as an integral condition for stability and peace. Edward Snowden has made a critical contribution to restoring this balance.